Ann Demeulemeester signs 'Print' book in Milan

Ann Demeulemeester greeted fans and signed copies of “Ann Demeulemeester: Print” at her namesake label’s flagship store in Milan on Friday night, 25 September.

The meet-and-greet centred on a coffee-table book from Hannibal, the publisher, that gathers printed material from her career. WWD reported the signing took place at the Milan shop during the city’s fashion week.

She left in 2014. Demeulemeester founded the brand with Patrick Robyn in 1985 and stepped away almost 30 years later.

The label is now owned by Antonioli Group, which now owns the brand, and designed by Italian designer Stefano Gallici. Antonioli Group supported the launch of the book, which was masterminded by Demeulemeester’s son, Victor Robyn.

“Print” comes in two iterations, including a limited edition. The limited edition includes an original show invitation from spring 1998 and a special folder.

The book collects carefully selected printed matter, including show invitations, prints and T-shirts, according to the publisher’s listing. ACC Art Books One example is a pair of white gloves made for the fall 1990 collection, printed with palmistry-inspired lines and words such as “romantic influence,” “destiny” and “love.”

Hannibal Books, the publisher, organised a launch event for the title on 25 September at the Ann Demeulemeester store in Milan. Hannibal Books The book is on sale through Hannibal’s e-commerce site, partner bookstores and Ann Demeulemeester stores in Milan and Antwerp.

The Milan shop on Via Montenapoleone is the brand’s first location outside Antwerp. It opened earlier this year.

For fans, this means a rare chance to see the designer with the archive. The clothes made the runway image. The invitations, gloves and T-shirts show how that image was posted, handed out and worn.